On Tuesday, a government notice revealed that India will allow the export of cough syrups only after testing samples in a government laboratory.
This decision comes after Indian-made cough syrups linked to the deaths of dozens of children in Gambia and Uzbekistan.
Effective June 1, the government has mandated that any exported cough syrup must possess a certificate of analysis issued by a government laboratory.
The health ministry shared this notice on Tuesday, referencing the document dated May 22.
“Cough syrup shall be permitted to be exported subject to the export sample being tested. And the production of a certificate of analysis,” the notice issued by the trade ministry showed.
Last year, Indian-made cough syrups linked to the deaths of 70 children in Gambia and 19 in Uzbekistan. Also tarnishing the reputation of India’s $41 billion pharmaceutical industry.
Reuters reported last week that India was considering a change to its pharmaceutical industry policy. This includes increased testing of cough syrups as well as of raw materials for drugs.